Music Scholarships

The Governors offer at least ten awards in Music to pupils who have gained a place through the normal entry arrangements (tests and interviews). The value of Music Scholarships can be up to 10% of the fees on merit and may be awarded jointly with an Academic award. Bursarial assistance may be available (up to full fees in case of need); it would be helpful if this were indicated on the Application Form. Music Exhibitions are also offered without fee remission. All Music Scholars and Exhibitioners are offered free tuition on two instruments (including voice) with the School’s music teachers during school time. Music Scholarships and Exhibitions are normally tenable throughout a pupil’s time at the School, provided progress and conduct remain satisfactory.

Music Scholarship Examination

Dates:

Entry at 16+: Thursday 3rd November 2011 at Highgate School
Entry at 13+: Thursday 2nd February 2012 at Highgate School (Thursday 13 October for 2013 entry)
Entry at 11+: Thursday 26th and Friday 27th January 2012 at Highgate School

Requirements:

16+: Grade 8+ on 1st instrument, Grade 5+ on 2nd instrument in a 12-minute recital
13+: Grade 6+ on 1st instrument, Grade 3+ on 2nd instrument in a 10-minute recital
11+: Grade 4+ on 1st instrument, Grade 1+ on 2nd instrument in a 7-minute recital

The examination is open to singers and instrumentalists. There is no requirement for candidates to study Music at GCSE or A level as any part of the award. Special consideration will be given to Cathedral and Collegiate Choristers. All candidates should be prepared to give a recital showing the best of their range as practical musicians on their chosen instruments, and must also take aural tests, read at sight and play scales and arpeggios appropriate to their level of experience.

In addition to the Music Scholarship Exam, there is the option to take a Musical Aptitude Test at 11+ only. This will give an indication of the pupil’s suitability to gain an internal award at 13+. Successful candidates in this test will learn two instruments and be required to join at least two groups (including a choir) and are automatically entered for the 13+ Music Scholarships. The tests will take place at the same time as scholarship auditions and will thus be open to candidates invited to interviews in January. The Aptitude Test is open only to candidates from state-maintained schools.

Music Activities

Award holders are expected to contribute regularly and fully to the musical life of the school throughout their career and their progress is monitored by the Director of Music.

Musical groups include:

•    Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra & String Sinfonietta
•    Symphonic Band, Concert Band & Jazz Orchestra
•    Chapel Choir, Chorale, Junior Choir & Concert Choir
•    Jazz Groups & Rock Workshops
•    Numerous chamber groups

There are regular concerts (usually one per week) during term-time. Each group performs at least twice a year (Chapel Choir and Chorale approximately every three weeks). There are many opportunities for solo performance. The House Music Competition, solo instrumental and vocal competitions and masterclasses provide opportunities for work with distinguished visiting musicians.

How to Apply

Application Deadlines:

Entry at 16+: Friday 14th October 2011
Entry at 13+ and 11+: Friday 16th December 2011 (Tuesday 20th September for 13+ 2013 entry)

Music Scholarship application forms are available from the Admissions Coordinator, and should be returned to:

The Admissions Coordinator
Highgate School,
North Road,
London
N6 4AY

If you would like to discuss the Scholarship audition further or would like any advice, please feel free to contact Lionel Steuart Fothringham, the Director of Music.

Telephone 020 8347 3552
E-mail: lionel.steuartfothringham@highgateschool.org.uk

Music at Highgate

Highgate music has a long and distinguished tradition and many former pupils are now leading musicians. They include John Tavener (composer), John Rutter (composer and conductor), Howard Shelley (pianist and conductor), Jan Latham-Koenig (conductor), and Daniel Hope (violinist). Pupils are offered a wide range of musical activities designed both to encourage the beginner and to stimulate and further the skills of the talented musician.

School activities in recent years have included:

•    performances of Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Bach’s St John Passion and Missa in F, Fauré’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah and Rutter’s Requiem in Southwark Cathedral
•    performances of Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem and Haydn’s The Creation at Westminster Central Hall
•    regular chamber and orchestral concerts; highlights include Beethoven’s Symphony No.5, Schubert’s Symphony No.3 and Unfinished Symphony and Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto, performed by pupils as soloists with the Symphony Orchestra
•    performances of the musicals Sweeney Todd, Les Misérables, Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors and Oklahoma!
•    Chapel Choir singing services at Llandaff and Chichester cathedrals and at churches in St Albans, Islington and Muswell Hill; tours to the Czech Republic and Paris.
•    Tour by pupils in Years 7-9 to Northern France
•    Tour by pupils in Years 10-13 to Belgium
•    Symphonic Band tour to Germany
•    Masterclasses and concerts with our two Ensembles-in-Residence, the Barbirolli String Quartet and the Calefax Reed Quintet